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NEW YORK - Celtics forward Gordon Hayward will sit out Saturday’s visit to the New York Knicks due to general soreness in his left ankle.
Celtics coach Brad Stevens said the team is treading cautiously as Hayward returns after missing nearly all of last season with a fractured ankle. Hayward, operating on a minutes restriction, played 25 minutes in the Friday night loss to the Toronto Raptors and team doctors suggested rest as Boston (1-1) played its first back-to-back of the season.
"Just had a little soreness [Saturday] morning, nothing big,” said Stevens. “[The medical staff] all chose that rest is the best option.”
Big man Aron Baynes will start in place of Hayward.
Stevens downplayed any concern about the ankle soreness.
"We didn’t plan on [sitting him during the back-to-back] so that would be something that he’ll take game by game, night by night,” said Stevens. “Obviously, with the minutes restriction being what it is, we’re monitoring it very closely. Again, it’s general soreness.”
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Hayward showed progress on Friday night when he scored 14 points on 6-of-13 shooting against the Raptors. He was more aggressive attacking the basket and accepted the challenge of defending Kawhi Leonard.
"I felt like I found a little bit of rhythm there in the second half,” said Hayward. "It was a good step for me. Each game will be progress. Unfortunately, we didn't win tonight, but I found something in the second [half].”
Celtics All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving agreed with Hayward’s assessment.
“[Hayward] got a chance to really let loose a little bit, kind of get in the mid-range, be aggressive in transition, as well as off those pick-and-rolls,” said Irving. "He just kind of threw himself into the game [Friday], obviously, just playing hard and playing himself into game shape.”
Hayward has looked understandably rusty early in the season and was forced to sit out the final game of the exhibition slate due to a back injury. Teammates have talked about his progress in practice sessions and it seemed to translate to the floor on Friday night.
Hayward should be back on the court for Monday’s visit from the Orlando Magic at TD Garden.
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